Cardinal Njue receives colorful reception

Caption: Cardinal Njue was among the 23 Archbishops who were elevated to the rank of Cardinal on November 24th this year at St. Peter's Basilica at the Vatican.

Cardinal John Njue returned home from Rome Thursday to a colorful reception following his elevation to the College of Cardinals by Pope Benedict XVI. The Prelate is also the Archbishop of Nairobi Archdiocese.

Cardinal John Njue returned home from Rome Thursday to a colorful reception following his elevation to the College of Cardinals by Pope Benedict XVI.

The plane carrying the Cardinal touched down at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, Nairobi at 7.20 a.m where he was received by catholic faithfuls led by Vice President Moody Awori.

Cardinal Njue was among the 23 Archbishops who were elevated to the rank of Cardinal on November 24th this year at St. Peter's Basilica at the Vatican.

Mr. Awori who was accompanied by Bishops Alfred Korir, David Kamau and Phillip Sulumeti in welcoming the Cardinal said that the country was proud that God had honoured Archbishop Njue to be the second Cardinal in Kenya after the late Cardinal Maurice Otunga.

The Vice President said Cardinal Njue's record of leadership was well known to Kenyans and he expressed optimism that his good leadership will not only benefit the Catholic fraternity but the entire nation.

He once again reiterated the government's recognition of all religious denominations and assured them of the government's support.

While addressing the congregation who had gathered at the Airport to welcome him, Cardinal Njue said his elevation was not only an honour to him but also to the Catholic Church, the nation and the world.

His Eminence assured Kenyans that he will carry the apostolate work in honour and in communion with them saying that through prayer and hope, people can be able to appreciate the value of one another.

The Cardinal urged Kenyans to unite and recognize the identity and dignity of one another saying that by doing so they will be fulfilling the commandment of love.

The Prelate who is also the Archbishop of Nairobi Archdiocese said that he will work for the good of each citizen and called on Kenyans to respect one another.

He expressed regret following the death of Archbishop Nicodemus Kirima describing it as a great loss to the Catholic fraternity.

The late Kirima was a strong and gifted priest, he said and appealed to Kenyans to pray for his departed soul.